Nester

Nester came to us four years ago when I got a call from a woman who I met through a site on

Facebook called blessing one another. She needed some toys for her grandchildren who were

going to be visiting for Christmas. It was a delight to answer that need. Dot and I became

friends after that day, not just on Facebook, but through text and calls as well.

Dot called me one day to tell me that her brother-in-law needed someone to rescue his farm

animals. Apparently, his wife left him and left behind all her beloved animals. He continued to

feed and care for them in hopes of her retuning, but that never happened. He simply could not

do it any longer, as he was up in age, and had health problems. Steve and I went to visit his

farm and saw the situation. We advised him to sell two of the three horses, that were in great

shape, very young and were still very much able to be productive and lead a full life. The

remaining animals were a goat, a giant pig, two minis, an older horse named Dusty and Nester,

the Donkey. We took all of them except the two horses that he sold and the gigantic pig, that

was sent to another rescue.

The minute that I met Nester, I knew that he would quickly become a farm favorite, as his

personality was larger than life. He was also gentle and sweet, wanting hugs more than treats.

When Nester first came to our farm, he had to be put in a separate paddock, just like he was at

his previous farm. He had never been castrated, and so his zeal, shall we say, annoyed all the

other horses. They got so upset with his constant need to mount, that they end up hurting

him. He is too old at this point to neuter him, so sadly, he is always in his own space. But

because he is so social, we allow his paddock to but up against the other horses, so he can at

least feel close to them.

When anyone is approaching, no matter where Nester is in his vast acreage, he comes running

with his distinctive honking to greet you. Even if a neighbor comes by or a guest, drops in, he

greets them like they are his very best friend.

He is a goof ball, a showoff, and one of the most loving animals I have ever had.